Midtown Sounds celebrate local talent in Ballymena

Andrew Farrell performs in Wellington Barbers, Ballymena as part of Midtown Sounds.

Northern Ireland’s up and coming artists were heard throughout Ballymena on Saturday 24th February as Midtown Sounds celebrated local musical talent with a range of live performances planned at various shops and eateries throughout the town.

Acts included Ryan Price in the Corner Bakery and later in Ground Coffee Shop, Andrew Farrell in Wellington Barber and later in Outdoor Adventure, Dean and Matt helping Bob & Berts celebrate their third birthday, with Amy McAlister on her harp in Wallaces, Ultimate Fashions and McKillens Shoes.

Patrick Donnelly played in Red Star Music, Stripped in Midtown Makers and Erin Fullerton in Moore Electrics. Sara Crockett played in Marmalade and Tiernan Heffron was in Follow Coffee. Jedidah Shanks played in both Woodside Chemists and Montgomerys Restaurant and students from the Music Rooms also joined in. The afternoon of music ended with Brash Issac in Middletown.

Event organisers were very pleased at the reception of traders and public alike to the live music playing in the shops.

Ballymena BID manager, Alison Moore said, “Midtown Sounds brought a very different sound to Ballymena on Saturday. We have had great feedback from the traders in the town, there is no doubt that it was well received and it has been reported that customers and staff in shops were noted to be swaying to the music.

“This event allowed us to highlight some of the local music talent as well as Ballymena and its great offering. With Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s assistance, this has been a great event.”

Midtown Sounds was officially launched on Friday 23rd February from 7pm in Follow Coffee Co with three fantastic videos, Runabay performing in the Grouse, Andrew Cameron from Brash Issac in Middletown and Sara Crockett in Marmalade. The videos can be viewed on Ballymena Means Facebook page.

Joe Rocks, Arts Administrator from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, said, “I was absolutely delighted with how Midtown Sounds went. We had a great turnout at the event on Friday night and all the artists were exceptionally well received throughout the town on Saturday. Our partnership with the BID worked well and allowed us to highlight all that is good about the local music scene to a very different audience.”

The project has also been supported by The Executive Office through Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Good Relations Programme.